First trip since 2016 - need help!!!!!

[htegler]

Hello there all DIS family.
I need help in navigating the postpandemic world. I know there are tons of experts out there that can help guide us and make sure we do have a magical time.
I'm sorry if these questions have been answered somewhere already.

In terms of the best time time to visit for 7days (we're planning either March or April.)
I understand we need a reservation for both the parks and a paid admission ticket How does that process work exactly?

Back in the day we would normally do park hopper.

Is there such a thing as a dining plan anymore - is it cost effective?
staying on site VS offsite?

Does using a travel agent help with doing any of the setup work - to make sure we are we are set in terms of getting to the parks on the days that we want?
Also I know that fast pass Has been replaced with a paid - go to the head of the line option. Is that worth the cost?

Thank you in advance and if there's anything critical that I have left out -please enlighten.
With a greatful heart - Thanks for your input.

 

[sponica]

I've put my answers in bold.

In terms of the best time time to visit for 7days (we're planning either March or April.) Do you mean 2022 or 2023? Either way avoid the week before and week after Easter.

I understand we need a reservation for both the parks and a paid admission ticket How does that process work exactly? The instructions on this page are pretty good.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/experience-updates/park-reservations/


Back in the day we would normally do park hopper. I still do this

Is there such a thing as a dining plan anymore - is it cost effective? Dining plans have not returned.
staying on site VS offsite? Dealer's choice. On-site doesn't have as many "perks" as it used to.

Does using a travel agent help with doing any of the setup work - to make sure we are we are set in terms of getting to the parks on the days that we want? I've never used one
Also I know that fast pass Has been replaced with a paid - go to the head of the line option. Is that worth the cost? Verdict is still out on that one, some people like it, others don't.

Thank you in advance and if there's anything critical that I have left out -please enlighten.
With a greatful heart - Thanks for your input.

 

[Turksmom]

There's a very useful Genie thread here. It's not exactly a go to the front of the line pass like many other parks use. It's similar to fast pass in that it gives you a specific return time, different in that you can't choose.

There is a 30 minute early entry benefit for on-site guests and twice weekly late night extended hours for those staying deluxe. Other than location and transportation, there really aren't other perks.

No dining plan.

You have to have tickets before making park pass reservations. You only need to reserve the first park you will visit each day and can hop as much as you'd like after 2 pm (with PH tix or AP)

This thread has lots of "boots on the ground" reports from people who have visited recently, so reading through a few of the more recent pages should give you an idea of what to expect link

 

[htegler]

There's a very useful Genie thread here. It's not exactly a go to the front of the line pass like many other parks use. It's similar to fast pass in that it gives you a specific return time, different in that you can't choose.

There is a 30 minute early entry benefit for on-site guests and twice weekly late night extended hours for those staying deluxe. Other than location and transportation, there really aren't other perks.

No dining plan.

You have to have tickets before making park pass reservations. You only need to reserve the first park you will visit each day and can hop as much as you'd like after 2 pm (with PH tix or AP)

This thread has lots of "boots on the ground" reports from people who have visited recently, so reading through a few of the more recent pages should give you an idea of what to expect link

Thank you so much for the link and for the input. There'll be a learning curve for sure but I'm sure we'll enjoy the ride.

 

[htegler]

There's a very useful Genie thread here. It's not exactly a go to the front of the line pass like many other parks use. It's similar to fast pass in that it gives you a specific return time, different in that you can't choose.

There is a 30 minute early entry benefit for on-site guests and twice weekly late night extended hours for those staying deluxe. Other than location and transportation, there really aren't other perks.

No dining plan.

You have to have tickets before making park pass reservations. You only need to reserve the first park you will visit each day and can hop as much as you'd like after 2 pm (with PH tix or AP)

This thread has lots of "boots on the ground" reports from people who have visited recently, so reading through a few of the more recent pages should give you an idea of what to expect link

Thank you so much for your information will figure things out really appreciate the input

 

[tkd lisa]

I don't see much help from travel agents for a wdw vacation. It seems like you are looking for planning the visit help, and most agents just do hotel and ticket help.

one other plus with on-site is that you can usually fit in a midday break before you park hop.

 

[DSNY4ever]

Dreams Unlimited Travel used to do trip planning help. We were able to ask our agent all sorts of questions and they would make a little itinerary if you wanted them too. But I'm not certain they still do that as we also haven't been since 2016! Figuring everything out has been pretty stressful.